Salem: A tragic incident occurred at the Salem steel plant on Saturday when an apprentice was electrocuted during a training session, prompting his family and relatives to stage a sit-in protest at the plant's entrance.
Victim Identified
The deceased was identified as K Madhankumar, 22, a resident of MGR Colony in Tharamangalam. He had completed a diploma in electrical and electronics engineering and was undergoing a one-year apprenticeship at the Salem steel plant's iron smelter unit, which began on February 21.
Incident Details
On Saturday, the plant administration informed Madhankumar's family that he had been electrocuted and taken to a hospital. However, upon arriving at the hospital, the family was told that he had died. According to K Palani, a relative, Madhankumar was thrown from a high-voltage electrical outlet, leaving his body severely charred.
Protest and Demands
Following the news of his death, relatives held a blockade at the plant's third entrance. The plant administration initiated talks, but no agreement was reached. Subsequently, the family began a dharna protest in the afternoon, causing a stir in the area. They demanded appropriate compensation for the death and action against the plant administration for negligence. Additionally, they refused to consent to an autopsy until their demands were met.
Resolution
Steel plant police intervened, holding talks with the family and assuring them of necessary action. After this assurance, the family withdrew their protest. The body was later sent to the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital for a postmortem examination. A case has been registered, and further inquiry is ongoing.
